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Resolution too low when exporting PDFs from InDesign CS5.5

New Here ,
Jan 22, 2021 Jan 22, 2021

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Hi everyone, when I export PDFs from InDesign CS5.5, the resolution seems to be too low, as in the attached PDF. Exports always worked fine before my current project -- to print greeting cards with Moo.com, they need me to export using PDF/X-1a:2001, which I don't usually use. 

 

No matter what settings I use for compression during the export process (such as using 450 or 550 dpi, having it not downsample the images, etc.), after I upload the PDF to Moo, they say the size is 1055x1500. Since that is less than 300dpi and much less than the original size of my images, I'd like to find a way to keep a higher resolution if possible.

 

Any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

Thanks, Ryan

 

www.RyanBushPhotography.com

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Import and export

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Community Expert ,
Jan 22, 2021 Jan 22, 2021

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Which OS version?

Check the Effective PPI resolution in the InDesign Links panel, it shouldn't be below 200PPI.

If you have a transparency in your image try PDF/X-4.

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Community Expert ,
Jan 22, 2021 Jan 22, 2021

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they say the size is 1055x1500. Since that is less than 300dpi

This is not the same thing: 1055x1500 is the definition of the image (the number of pixels) and it is irrelevant to say it is less than 300 dpi, which is the resolution. 

 

I opened your PDF in Acrobat and ran a preflight: it states that your image is at 300.267 ppi (which is the right term, instead of dpi) so all is OK

Capture d’écran 2021-01-22 à 23.45.59.jpg

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Community Expert ,
Jan 22, 2021 Jan 22, 2021

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Your image looks fine to me too. 

1055x1500 ppi @ 300 PPI 

= 1055/300 = 3.5 inches

= 1500/300 = 5 inches

Your image output size is 3.5 inches x 5 inches.

 

they need me to export using PDF/X-1a:2001, which I don't usually use. 

No matter what settings I use for compression during the export process (such as using 450 or 550 dpi, having it not downsample the images, etc.), after I upload the PDF to Moo, they say the size is 1055x1500.

 

The compression setting if you look closely only says

  1. 'downsample to xxx ppi'
  2. 'for images above xxx ppi'

Meaning only images that above the threshold of point 2.

 

Change this setting to 

  1. 300
  2. 300

 

And PDF x1a will flatten your file - no problem - and if that's their requirement there's nothing you can do.

 

 

 

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New Here ,
Jan 25, 2021 Jan 25, 2021

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Thank you for your responses, everyone, I really appreciate it!

 

I'm glad the image is 300 PPI in the PDF, but still don't understand why Moo says it is still 1055x1500px even when I use higher compression settings. I think I'll upload higher resolution versions just in case, but am glad it'll be at least 300 PPI.

 

Thank you for the other pointers, it helps to know how to check the effective resolution in the Links panel, look for details in the preflight, etc.

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Community Expert ,
Jan 25, 2021 Jan 25, 2021

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I am sorry to insist but you confuse definition and resolution. Definition is the number of pixels, resolution is how they are distributed in one inch or one centimeter. In my exemples below, you can see 2 different files: one is at 300 pixels per inch and the other one is at 72 ppi, but both measure 1055 px x 1500.

Capture d’écran 2021-01-25 à 22.50.01.jpg 

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New Here ,
Jan 26, 2021 Jan 26, 2021

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Thanks for reminding me, I know the difference but between severe chronic back pain and massive all-day headaches, I don't always express things correctly. 🙂

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Community Expert ,
Jan 26, 2021 Jan 26, 2021

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but still don't understand why Moo says it is still 1055x1500px

 

Is Moo actually telling you to increase the pixel dimensions, or are they simply giving you a report on the file specs?

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New Here ,
Jan 26, 2021 Jan 26, 2021

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The pixel dimensions are from Moo's report on the file specs. I went ahead and ordered the cards, so I'm all set everyone. Thanks for your help!

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